What is the minimum wake turbulence separation required for an aircraft departing behind a Category B or D on the same runway or parallel runways separated by less than 2,500 feet?

The minimum wake turbulence separation required for an aircraft departing behind a Category B or D aircraft on the same runway or parallel runways separated by less than 2,500 feet is two minutes. This requirement is in place to ensure safety and mitigate risks associated with wake turbulence, which can be particularly hazardous for smaller or lighter aircraft.

Generally, wake turbulence is generated by larger aircraft and can result in significant disturbances in the air, especially during takeoff and landing phases. For a departing aircraft, maintaining this minimum separation helps to provide enough time for the wake effects to dissipate, minimizing the chances of encountering turbulence that could affect the handling and safety of the following aircraft. Understanding these separation criteria is crucial for air traffic controllers to maintain safe operations, especially in busy airspaces where multiple departures may occur close together.